Swelling during pregnancy is a fairly common phenomenon, which sooner or later any future mother encounters. Most often this happens already in the last three months of pregnancy - the rings are no longer possible to wear, and the shoes do not fasten on the ankles.
Swelling during pregnancy: causes . In fact, moderate swelling is absolutely normal, as the female body begins to actively accumulate water. Firstly, water is needed for the growth of the mammary glands. Secondly, the maternal body supplies blood and the fetus, so its volume increases by about 1.5 liters.
In addition, an enlarged uterus presses on the vessels that carry blood to the legs, including the portal system of the kidneys and liver. Blood can no longer move freely to the heart. In this way, accumulation of fluid begins in the intercellular space.
Swelling during pregnancy: how to determine it ? In fact, determining the presence of edema is quite simple, even if during pregnancy you have recovered greatly. It is only necessary to put pressure on the area of the skin - if there is a depression in this place, then, most likely, it is swelling.
In addition, with the accumulation of water in the body, a woman begins to unnaturally quickly gain weight - which is why it is so important to weigh all the time and monitor the change in indicators. In addition, edema, as a rule, disappears after resting in a horizontal position.
Is swelling during pregnancy dangerous ? In fact, it is generally accepted in medical practice that moderate swelling is a completely normal process.
But there are cases of secondary toxicosis, which are also accompanied by accumulation of water. First, swelling of the legs occurs during pregnancy. As toxicosis develops, water begins to accumulate on the hips and genitals, and then swelling appears on the arms, shoulders and face. This is already quite dangerous.
The fact is that severe edema can lead to increased blood pressure, impaired renal function, and in some cases to eclampsia. The danger is only aggravated by the fact that in most cases late toxicosis develops very slowly and smoothly - it can be noticed too late. Sometimes in pregnant women there are so-called "hidden" edema, which is accompanied by an accumulation of water inside the tissues and organs, without having any external signs. That is why it is very important to weigh yourself here - if you are actively gaining kilograms, then this is an occasion to consult a doctor.
Swelling during pregnancy: treatment . In the treatment of edema, the normal nutrition of a woman, as well as the rhythm of her life, is very important. If you notice the formation of edema, then you should abandon salt, spices, spicy foods, which only stimulate the accumulation of water in the body. In addition, it is recommended to limit the amount of fluid drunk - no more than a liter per day. You can drink stewed cranberries or lingonberries - they have a diuretic effect. Green tea is perfect, as well as ordinary watermelon (if any), as these products will remove excess fluid from the body.
In addition, it is necessary to abandon physical activity, less to stay in a standing position. It is recommended to avoid too hot places, so in summer during the day it is better to stay in a cool room.
For sleeping or resting, you need to put a pillow under your feet so that the limbs are at or slightly above the head - this contributes to normal blood flow.
In any case, you must consult a doctor. After examination and analysis, he will be able to determine the state of your body and prescribe a diuretic. If swelling is accompanied by an increase in pressure or kidney disease, then a woman needs temporary hospitalization.